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Department of Political Science

Challenge yourself with a degree in political science

Welcome to the Political Science Department website! Here you will find information on the wide variety of courses and degrees we offer that will both challenge you and let you explore different topics in Political Science. Our diverse faculty conduct groundbreaking research in multiple fields and are national experts who are eager to work with all students. You will also find information on various career opportunities that will open to you upon graduation with a degree in Political Science. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!

Nancy E. Marion, Ph.D., J.D.
Chair, Political Science
nmarion@uakron.edu 


Pi Sigma Alpha: The National Political Science Honor Society

Congratulations to our students who were inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha!

  • Ayssa Bissell
  • Evan Lifke

For more information, visit the Pi Sigma Alpha website.

The Center for Intelligence and Security Studies

A resource to prepare the security professionals of tomorrow by bringing together students, faculty, and security practitioners for training, research, and education in the areas of national security, cybersecurity, community security and law enforcement, as well as intelligence analysis and operations.

Learn more

Why Study Political Science?

We believe that a degree in Political Science is one of the best tools for a student seeking a comprehensive liberal arts education.  Critical thinking, argumentative writing, analysis, persuasion, and social research are some of the foundational skills our students will have after completing a Political Science major. Additionally, our students are well prepared to compete in a competitive, global market requiring ethical and practical problem solving skills.

Whether you want to pursue a BA in Political Science, a master’s in Political Science or a doctorate, you can hone practical political skills and knowledge at The University of Akron. Explore our seven Political Science degrees now.

B.A. in Political Science

  • This degree is the study of human behavior as it relates to governments, public policy and campaigns and elections.
  • Contact:  Dr. Nancy Marion, nmarion@uakron.edu 

B.A. in Political Science - Intelligence and National Security Studies

  • This degree prepares students for national security occupations, such as the FBI, the intelligence community, or other national security careers.
  • Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler, kck@uakron.edu

B.A. in Political Science/Juris Doctorate (3+3)

  • In collaboration with the School of Law, this joint degree allows fourth-year undergraduate students to take courses in the Law School and receive both degrees in 6 years. 
  • Contact: Dr. Philip Marcin, pjm@uakron.edu 

B.A. in Political Science, Philosophy and Economics (PPE)

  • This unique, interdisciplinary degree provides students with a broad social science background that introduces them to concepts and ideas of the individual areas and how they interrelate with one another.
  • Contact: Dr. Jim McHugh, mchugh@uakron.edu

M.A. in Political Science - Intelligence and National Security Studies

  • This advanced degree program is designed for individuals in careers in national security, intelligence, diplomacy, or other security related areas.
  • Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler, kck@uakron.edu 

Master of Applied Politics (MAP)

  • In collaboration with the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, the MAP is one of only a handful of graduate programs in the United States focusing on practical politics and experiential learning.  The degree is designed for students interested in election campaigns, managing organizations, and other political activities.    
  • Contact: Dr. David Cohen, dbcohen@uakron.edu 

Juris Doctor/Master of Applied Politics

Our faculty in the news media

This 2024 Ohio Senate candidate pledged to help GOP with a new PAC. Did he deliver?

In this article about Sen. Matt Dolan’s pledge to the Ohio Matters PAC, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on the intentions of this leadership PAC. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler discusses 9/11 and terrorist groups in the Middle East

Dr. Karl C Kaltenthaler, director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and professor in the Department of Political Science, visited the Ray Horner Show to share his thoughts on the events of 9/11 and terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Dr. Karl C. Kaltenthaler on drones in warfare and terrorism

Dr. Karl C Kaltenthaler, director of the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and professor in the Department of Political Science, visited the Ray Horner Show to share his thoughts on drones used in warfare and terrorism.

Biden's age and inflation remain vulnerable issues for reelection campaign

In this article about two vulnerable issues in President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on Biden’s age as well as the current economy. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Who Won the Republican Debate? Three Analysts Give Their Verdict

Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on the Republican debate and the performance of each of the candidates. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

With Trump a No-Show at Debate, GOP Wannabes Can Attack, Defend or Ignore

In continued coverage of the upcoming Republican presidential debate, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on the choices made by the candidates regarding whether or not to address the presumable absence of Donald Trump. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Latest 2024 Election Poll Has Trump Beating Biden With Cornel West Playing 'Spoiler'

In continuing coverage of the upcoming presidential election polls, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, comments on the dangers of third-party candidates in the presidential race. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.


More News

Class schedule

Summer 2023

Fall 2023


    Student organizations

    College Democrats
    Information
    Contact: Dr. David Cohen

    College Republicans
    Information
    Contact: Dr. Matt Akers

    National Security Club
    Information
    Contact: Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler

    Pre-Law Society
    Information
    Contacts: Dr. Phil Marcin; Dr. Jim McHugh

    Pi Sigma Alpha
    Information
    Contact: Dr. Nancy Marion


    Speaker's Bureau

    Our faculty experts are available to come to your high school or community organization to discuss current events and other relevant topics.

    Professor Kimberly Hufgard
    Fingerprinting, Human Trafficking, Store Security, Careers in the Criminal Justice Field 

    Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler
    National Security, Intelligence, Counterterrorism, Related Careers in Security and Intelligency

    Dr. David Cohen
    Campaigns, Congress, Presidency, White House, Careers in Politics

    Dr. Ron Gelleny
    Human Rights, Comparative Politics, Related Careers

    Dr. James McHugh
    Comparative Constitutions, Polarization of American Society

    Dr. Phil Marcin
    Supreme Court, Organization of the Courts, Supreme Court Decisions, Careers in the Legal Field


    Contact Us

    Department of Political Science
    The University of Akron
    Olin Hall 201 (see campus map)
    Akron, OH  44325-1904

    Office: 330-972-7406
    Fax: 330-972-8841


    marion

    Department Chair:
    Dr. Nancy Marion
    nmarion@uakron.edu


    Undergraduate Advisor:
    Dr. Phil Marcin
    pjm@uakron.edu


    Graduate Advisors:

    Security Studies
    Dr. Karl Kaltenthaler
    kck@uakron.edu 


    Master of Applied Politics
    Dr. David Cohen
    dbcohen@uakron.edu 


    Pre-Law
    Dr. Phil Marcin
    pjm@uakron.edu

    and

    Dr. James McHugh
    mchugh@uakron.edu 


    Olin Hall houses the Department of Political Science, the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies and the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.